Surrounded by a number of major roads, Hamburg is fairly straightforward to navigate around. The B4 works its way down from the north-east suburbs and skirts the southern part of the city center, while the B5 loops around the north of the city.

The heart of Hamburg itself is connected by the central Jungfernstieg Boulevard, which links the Altstadt (old town) in the east with the Neustadt (new town) to the west. Both of these inner-city districts are found on the north bank of the River Elbe, while following the B75 route south takes you across the river and several canals to Hamburg-Mitte, another key central location.

There are many parking lots dotted throughout Hamburg and in some parts of the city center there’s free parking although you may find restrictions apply in some residential areas. As you’d expect in such a large city, Hamburg’s roads can become congested at busy times such as the morning and evening rush-hour. However, by planning your journey in advance, you should be able to move around quickly and without too many problems.

Visitors who wish to travel further afield will find the autobahn, Germany’s freeway network, is well-maintained and easy to traverse. A limit of 80mph (130 km/h) is in place for most stretches, although there a few with no upper limit.

Take the A1 out of Hamburg and head south-west to Bremen, which is just over an hour’s drive away. Make sure you’ve got your camera with you - this laidback city is picture-perfect, with chocolate-box houses and twisting cobbled streets. More charming history awaits in Lübeck, only an hour’s drive north-east along the A1. This UNESCO-listed fairytale city will take your breath away with its medieval architecture. 

If you’re looking for a change of pace from city life, take the A21 to Naturpark Holsteinische Schweiz - you’ll be there in around 80 minutes. A paradise for outdoor lovers, this sprawling park is a natural beauty, with glittering lakes, rolling green hills and flower-filled meadows.

Like almost all of mainland Europe, drivers in Germany use the right-hand side of the road. All passengers must wear seatbelts and the use of cell or mobile phones while driving is banned. The speed limit will depend on the road so keep an eye out for signage, though in urban areas it tends to be 30mph (50 km/h).

Embrace the opportunity to explore Germany’s second city and discover its hidden gems. With a romantic canal network to rival Amsterdam and bohemian districts choc-a-block with flea markets, pavement cafes and art galleries, pleasant surprises are to be found around every corner in Hamburg. Car rental allows you to see all of its best attractions and also gives you the chance to head beyond the city limits to explore some picturesque villages along the River Elbe.

A port pilgrimage

Hamburg’s historic trading clout has helped shape its modern identity and there’s no better example than Speicherstadt, an impressive series of red-brick shipping warehouses surrounded by waterways. The largest warehouse complex in the world, it was used extensively by merchants in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. While some warehouses are still operational, others house fashionable cafés, shops and museums. Take a leisurely boat trip along a series of canals and soak up the scenery.

On a smaller scale than Hamburg’s other attractions, but no less impressive, Miniatur Wunderland is a must-see museum within the Speicherstadt district. It’s home to the world’s largest model railway, with more than 15,000 meters of track divided into nine sections. As well as Hamburg, the Alps, Austria, Italy and the U.S. are all replicated in superb, minute detail.

Past glories

Uncover history at St Michaelis Kirche. Situated in the Neustadt quarter, this beautiful church is a baroque treasure. Rebuilt several times since the 16^th century, including after World War II bombing, today it boasts a 132-meter copper-covered spire that’s visible from miles around. Climb the steps to the viewing platform and enjoy sweeping vistas of the city below. 

From here, head to the Aldstadt (old town) and uncover more landmarks. Follow the shop-lined avenues and seek out the neo-Renaissance Rathaus (town hall). Tear your eyes away from the lavish façade of the 19^th century government building and head inside to take the guided tour of its ornate rooms and the pretty Italian-style courtyard in its center.

A taste of the ocean

No visit to Hamburg is complete without stopping by the city’s famous fish market, found in the bohemian St Pauli district. Traders have been peddling fresh catches here since the early 18^th century and even today you can experience the buzz of this lively marketplace. As you wander past stalls piled high with shellfish, eels and prawns, tuck into a fish sandwich and enjoy the entertainment from the local bands who create an electric atmosphere in the market.

If all this experience leaves you wanting more, then drive to Blankenese, set on the banks of the River Elbe. This leafy district is a pretty place for a stroll – amble along the winding streets, peppered with half-timbered fishermen’s houses and beautiful villas, and drink in the views of the river.

Book car rental in Hamburg and begin planning your adventure to Germany’s second biggest city, before heading out to explore the rest of Lower Saxony.